Los Angeles County Settles Minor's Sexual Assault Claim While In Custody
On November 2, 2005, Los Angeles County recommended a $300,000 settlement and an assumption of a $21,520.25 Medi-Cal lien for a claim that 17-year-old Kiana M. was sexually assaulted while alone with a County Probation Officer, in Juvenile Hall. Kiana M. didn't report the alleged sexual assault until three weeks after being transferred to another County facility.
After an internal investigation and sexual abuse exam of Kiana M. was completed, there was insufficient evidence of such assault and numerous inconsistent statements called into question the alleged victim's credibility. Upon consideration of a potential financial exposure for the County of $1,421,500 if this claim went to trial, and jury sympathy for Kiana M., the settlement was recommended. See: Kiana M. v. County of Los Angeles, No. BC 310 639 (Los Angeles Super. Ct.).
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Related legal case
Kiana M. v. County of Los Angeles
| Year | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Cite | No. BC 310 639 (Los Angeles Super. Ct.) |
| Level | State Trial Court |
| Conclusion | Settlement |
| Attorney Fees | 0 |
| Damages | 300000 |
| Injunction Status | N/A |